15.77°C Vancouver

Nov 11, 2020 12:23 AM -

Celebrate Diwali safely this year: Doug McCallum

Share On

On behalf of City Council, I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe Diwali this year.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a much-loved cultural tradition in Surrey that promotes the message of unity, warmth and joy.

Like all big celebrations, Diwali is traditionally a time for family and friends to come together to enjoy food and each other’s company.

This year, however, celebrations must be approached differently.

With the recent sharp rise of new COVID-19 cases in Metro Vancouver a new Provincial Health Order was issued this past weekend and it is vital that Diwali celebrations comply with the new order.

If we all do our part, we can rein in the spread of the virus and bring the curve back down.

That is why it is more important than ever that this year’s celebrations are kept only to your immediate household as mandated by the Provincial Health Order.

That means no social gatherings, whether they be indoors or outdoors, of any size beyond your immediate household.

I am proud of how the vast majority of our community have taken the COVID public health protocols to heart.

We must all continue to take personal responsibility to limit the spread of this virus so we can better our odds of getting back to the way of life we all want sooner rather than later.

Make no mistake about it, the actions we take now will have a long-term impact in our fight against COVID.

So do your part and keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe by fully observing the new Provincial Health Order that has been put in place between now and November 23.

Latest news

new-details-emerge-about-washington-man-charged-in-tumbler-ridge-shooting-case
BCOct 07, 2026

New details emerge about Washington man charged in Tumbler Ridge shooting case

New details have emerged about 30-year-old Washington State resident James Cody Bryant, who was arrested by U.S. authorities in connection with the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. According to U.S. authorities, Bryant had been in regular contact with 18-year-old shooting suspect Jesse Van Rootsellar through an app for about six months before the February 10 attack. Authorities allege Bryant provided the teenager with technical advice and money to help carry out the attack. They also allege the two planned to livestream the shooting. Officials said an attemp
30-year-old-u-s-man-charged-in-tumbler-ridge-school-shooting-conspiracy
BCOct 06, 2026

30-Year-Old U.S. Man Charged in Tumbler Ridge School Shooting Conspiracy

A 30-year-old U.S. man has been charged with conspiracy in connection with the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. The charge was confirmed by U.S. Acting Attorney Neil Floyd. The suspect, who is from western Washington, has been taken into custody on allegations of conspiring to murder people in a foreign country. Floyd said the arrest is linked to the tragic shooting at the school in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on February 10, 2026. In that mass shooting, an 18-year-old gunman killed five students and an educational assistant. The shooter later died by suicide. His
carney-to-visit-türkiye-to-strengthen-trade-energy-and-defence-ties
CanadaOct 06, 2026

Carney to Visit Türkiye to Strengthen Trade, Energy and Defence Ties

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a visit to Türkiye from October 21 to 23 aimed at strengthening trade, investment, energy and defence ties between the two countries. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, this will be the first bilateral visit to Türkiye by a Canadian prime minister. During the visit, Carney will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, where they are expected to discuss a potential free trade agreement. Carney will also meet with business leaders and investors in Istanbul. The visit comes as Canada seeks to reduce its r
david-eby-pledges-new-mri-ct-scanners-to-cut-health-care-wait-times
BCOct 06, 2026

David Eby Pledges New MRI, CT Scanners to Cut Health-Care Wait Times

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby made several health-care announcements during a campaign stop in Coquitlam this morning, promising measures to reduce patient wait times. Eby pledged to purchase eight new MRI machines and 10 new CT scanners, including one MRI machine that would be installed at Eagle Ridge Hospital. He also promised a new coordinated regional surgical waitlist system to help reduce lengthy surgery wait times by matching patients with the earliest available surgery date across the region. In addition, Eby said his government would make new investments in robotic-assisted surgery as par
carney-vows-to-work-with-quebecs-separatist-pq-government
CanadaOct 06, 2026

Carney Vows to Work with Quebec’s Separatist PQ Government

Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasized the need to work with Quebec’s incoming separatist Parti Québécois government. Speaking to reporters Tuesday morning, Carney said he had spoken by phone with incoming Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and congratulated him on his election victory. Carney described the current period as a critical time for the country, saying it is important to focus on the challenges facing Canada today rather than issues that may be years away. The Prime Minister said Ottawa is already working closely with Quebec on issues including affordable housing and ad

Related News